Axons

An axon is a long, slender projection of a nerve cell, or neuron, that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body or soma. Axons are essential for transmitting information throughout the nervous system, allowing for communication between different parts of the body.

Structure of Axons

Axons are typically covered by a fatty substance called myelin, which acts as an insulating layer and helps to speed up the transmission of electrical signals. The myelin sheath is formed by specialized cells called Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system.

Function of Axons

Axons transmit electrical impulses, known as action potentials, from the cell body to the axon terminals, where they can communicate with other neurons or with muscles and glands. This process allows for the coordination of movement, sensation, and other physiological functions.

Study Guide:

1. What is the function of an axon?
2. What is the role of myelin in the axon?
3. Which cells form the myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system?
4. How do axons transmit information?
5. What are the axon terminals responsible for?